Because my company’s IT guys aren’t able to solve this one, I turn to my blog for help.
I used to be able to “lock” my computer and walk away from my desk (say for meetings/lunch/when I leave work at night) and “unlock” it when I returned with everything in tact (all my windows still open, etc).
Something happened this weekend and when I got in, my computer was “hibernating/sleeping.” No biggie. I turned the computer on and started my day.
Then I noticed that everytime I locked my keyboard and was gone for more than 15 minutes, my computer would put itself to sleep.
Unfortunately, the only way to turn the computer back on it essentially rebooting it, so I have lost all the open windows on my screen.
I already checked the power/monitor settings… everything is set to “Never” turn off, and hibernation is disabled.
What gives?
More importantly, how do I fix this?
Thanks in advance.
PS - I am talking about a Dell machine running Windows.
Check the power settings in the BIOS. They may be doing the work.
I agree with Nez. Check your BIOS settings for APM (advanced power management) or ACPI (I don’t know this one, and I’m too lazy to Google it) values. If either one is enabled, I’d suggest disabling it. They’re both power management options better suited to notebook computers, but not worth the trouble for desktop systems.
I didn’t think of that!
I’m scared to mess with the BIOS though.
You might also right-click a blank area of your desktop, choose properties, click on the screen saver tab, then the power button. Then make sure the system standby drop down says never.
Good luck!